Canadians living in the Persian Gulf say Gulf missile defence systems are helping protect them during a period of rising regional tensions. Many expats say they rely on these systems as missile and drone threats continue across the region.
Blanka Calibaba, a Canadian teacher who has lived in the United Arab Emirates for 13 years, recently received an emergency alert on her phone warning of a possible missile attack. The message advised residents to seek shelter in secure buildings and stay away from windows and open spaces.
Calibaba said such alerts were frequent when Iran first launched attacks in the region. Although the warnings have slowed, residents still remain cautious. When she receives an alert, she moves to a room away from windows and waits for another message confirming the threat has passed.
Despite the tension, she says the success of Gulf missile defence systems has helped calm fears.
“I feel like the government is working very hard to keep us safe,” she said. “When you see how many missiles they intercept, it’s incredible.”
Daily Life Under Missile Threat
Other Canadians living in the region report similar experiences. Allison Furlong, originally from Newfoundland, has lived in Doha, Qatar, for more than a decade. She said the sound of intercepted missiles has become familiar.
“In the first few days, missiles were intercepted almost every hour,” she said. “You would hear loud booms overhead.”
Although the situation remains tense, daily life continues. Many shops remain open and traffic moves through the city, though at a slower pace.
Furlong said the constant alertness can still feel unsettling. Every loud noise prompts people to pause and wonder if another missile is approaching.
Canadians Struggle to Leave the Region
Some Canadians are trying to leave the Gulf but face travel disruptions. Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck from Halifax arrived in Dubai after a trip to Kenya but has struggled to return home after several flight cancellations.
She said government alerts warn residents about possible missile strikes, leaving them with little choice but to trust the region’s defence systems.
Murphy-Kaulbeck has rebooked her flight several times and hopes to depart soon through the United States. If that plan fails, she may attempt to travel by land into Oman, where flights are still operating.
Growing Concern Among Travellers
Others visiting the region also find themselves stranded. Sylvie Thompson from Montreal arrived in the UAE to visit family but now faces cancelled flights and uncertainty.
She says the constant missile warnings and loud explosions have increased anxiety among travellers. Some worry about how long they may remain stuck in the region.
Despite the uncertainty, Canadians living in the Gulf say the effectiveness of missile interception systems provides some reassurance as tensions continue.
